Hues of Ramganga: Beating Around the Bushes in Corbett

So, I spent a couple of days near the Jim Corbett National Park right at the start of the year. I was on an assignment but as it turned out, the safaris were overbooked with Chrismas-New Year holiday crowd and my client had not planned for it. Anyway, I completed my work and tried to soak in the feel of the jungle as much as possible while beating around the bushes, literally. So, this is not a detailed travelogue as I did not do much but just a series of photographs, primarily featuring the river Ramganga, as I stayed very near to it. Later on, I will come back wth a detailed guide about the park as I collected enough information about the place.

As a matter of fact, I was taken aback by the colours of Ramganga as I walked around Merchula, the northern corner of Corbett which is located at a slight elevation, thus providing very good views of the river and the valley. I generally use “turquoise” as the generic term to describe the colour of hilly rivers. But Ramganga looked different at different points depending on the season, angle of viewing, altitude, and time of the day. My vocabulary fails here to describe all these shades of blue and green. So, just have a looked at them.

While the colours were mesmerizing from a distance, on a closer look revealed them to be extremely transparent, so much so that I could see the pebbles underneath along with little fishes and toads. There are many bridges over the river. I crossed a suspension bridge too although in the winter it is possible to cross the river by foot at certain points.

As far as the animals are concerned, I did not see too many as I never entered the core area. Nevertheless, from what other visitors commented, tiger sighting is extremely unlikely anyway so it did not bother me much. I was given a guide for a quick walk around the river and the villages around Merchula. The first thing he showed me was a sunbathing pig. He claimed t to be a ferocious wild boar but I still remain sceptical of that claim.

But he did redeem himself by showing me a couple of Sambar deer from close range. The mother ran away quickly. But the young one was not yet aware of the danger that a human being might possess. So, it stopped for a while and looked back.

I also managed to spot barking deer, spotted deer, and several birds but with my limited zoom, I could never get clear pictures. Towards the end of the trip I noticed a large group of langurs by the side of the road. They made faces, showed a finger, probably middle one, and disappeared into the jungle.

While coming back, I stopped to visit the precariously located temple of Garjiya Devi, the local jungle deity. The view of the river was excellent here too, but it was not Ramganga, it was the other river called Kosi.

First thing was to look up Jim Corbett National Park. Okay India. Some really great shots. Can’t believe you are walking around in the open when there is Tigers everywhere. I really like the last three photos.

Reading your article gave great insights to a place that looks so peaceful and wild, untouched by human hand, also because It was the first time i’ve heard about this park. The water also looks incredible in your picturest. Thanks for shareing

Beautiful post! The place looks amazing and all the wildlife is great. Those deer look like they are pretty happy. 🙂 Did you go into the water? I don’t know if I could resist, with that color and being that clear. Congratulation for the beautiful photos.

Jim Corbett National park looks like a lovely place to stop for a visit. I love the sunbathing pig! I would have stopped and watched him for hours. I absolutely adore pigs. I am thankful you didn’t see a tiger in your adventures there! That water was so clear and welcoming. Did you get to swim at all?

Beautiful. Initially, looking at the shades of blue and green in Ramganga I thought if it is the pollution that is causing this shade. But looking at the later snaps, it seems the water is crystal clear. Almost the rocks can be seen underneath it. The area around seems to be equally beautiful. Will love to visit

Jitaditya, these are just amazing pictures and they are giving such a fresh and clear feel. I enjoy your posts majority of the time, and they always show me a different edge to the place. I have been to Corbett several times but still, the peace and aura of this place always invite us back.

Monkeys! Always so much fun to see them out in the wild. What a beautiful place! I never would have heard of it, so thank you so much for sharing. I can’t believe you were just wandering around where there are wild tigers and stuff though. That’s… kinda terrifying haha.

Lovely adventure as always! Your photos always have the way of bringing your readers to the place you have been. I always like taking suspension bridges and it would be nice to try this one, too. And oh, the fauna seems so rich there! I think I haven’t really seen a langur before, but I say they look cute although a bit rude as you described.

I have been to Corbett National Park and I can vouch for the landscapes and clear water streams. If you travel to deep inside the forest, the landscape simply looks surreal. I never go to any national park to spot animal, but to be amidst the vergin nature.

I have actually heard about the Corbett National Park before because one of my clients has a luxury resort there. I remember seeing the photos of his resort and thinking what a wonderful place he’s in. Your photos confirm this, the Corbett National Park is the perfect place if you are searching for bonding with the nature.